Signature Services Group developed and completed a feasibility study as an impartial third party that enabled the Racine Zoo to obtain perceptions of the organization and the quality of services provided. Gathering feedback to a draft case statement (which Signature Services Group developed) and indicators of what the community leaders would support, was critical. The feasibility study also helped in the identification of key donors and volunteers, allowing supporters of the Racine Zoo to take an “ownership” role in the planning of the project and campaign. Getting a green light to proceed, Signature Services Group assisted in finalizing the case for support, recruiting a Capital Campaign Chair/Co-chair, and recruiting a Capital Campaign Committee. Signature Services Group developed all the collateral support materials for the campaign, as well as a Capital Campaign Implementation Plan.
We facilitated volunteer training, developed systems for ongoing and permanent donor recognition, and assisted in the planning of Capital Campaign Committee meetings. We assisted in the development of systems to track and record campaign activities including compiling prospect lists, gift and pledge recording and acknowledgment, proposal preparation and volunteer assignments.
When launching the “quiet” portion of the campaign, we received a lead gift of $2M. Continuing to identify and create cultivation and solicitation strategies for lead and major donors, we reached our 80% campaign goal within eight months. The remaining 20% came from the community at large. The campaign goal was surpassed with $6.2M raised and completed in 18 months.
